Mel Bunce

When people look online for information about humanitarian crises, they increasingly
encounter media content that blurs the line between reality and fiction. This includes
everything from rumour and exaggeration to partisan journalism and completely invented stories
designed to look like real news (so-called ‘fake news’). This article shows that
disinformation is causing real and serious harm to those affected by humanitarian emergencies;
it can undermine the ability of humanitarian workers to provide relief; and it has exacerbated
conflict and violence. Disinformation is also making it harder for journalists to report on the
humanitarian sector, and hold the powerful to account, because it undermines audience trust in
information more generally. The article concludes by considering interventions that could
address the challenges of disinformation. It argues for more support of quality journalism
about humanitarian crises, as well as media literacy training. Finally, it is crucial that aid
agencies and news outlets commit to accuracy and fact checking in their reporting and
campaigning.